Chronic pain affects approximately 50 million American adults. The severity, location, and source of the problem can vary, but those experiencing any degree of symptoms can find relief. Effective regular exercise reduces pain symptoms and allows individuals to go about their normal daily lives.

The Benefits of Exercise for Chronic Pain

Why Is Exercise Effective in Reducing Pain?

From lowering the risk of developing chronic illnesses, like type 2 diabetes, to improving overall health, physical activity is an effective method for improving quality of life. Exercise is often used in physical therapy to treat chronic pain symptoms, including fatigue, poor sleep quality, limited physical function, inflammation, and negative moods. A personalized program that tackles each symptom as well as the overarching cause can efficiently relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Every exercise has a specific target and purpose. For example, improving flexibility increases your range of motion, and strengthening your core supports the lower back. Cardiovascular workouts boost blood flow, delivering nutrients to damaged tissue and supporting the healing process. Exercise is an effective, non-pharmaceutical way of treating chronic pain.

What Kinds of Exercises Can Relieve Pain?

There’s no single exercise program for every individual who’s experiencing chronic pain. Using physical activity as a treatment is most effective when the program is tailored to your needs and limitations, so you may end up combining variations of several different workouts.

Simply walking around your neighborhood gets your heart rate up while improving strength and endurance. Other beneficial cardiovascular activities include swimming and biking. To build strength, try push-ups, leg lifts, and weight training. Daily stretching helps release muscle tension and reduce stiffness. Yoga combines many workout benefits, including increased strength, flexibility, and even proper breathing techniques. Always keep your limits in mind and work out an effective exercise plan with your physical therapist.

If you’re experiencing chronic pain, contact the professionals at StayFIT Physical Therapy. With clinics in Aiea and Kapolei, HI, this physical therapy and rehabilitation center offers personalized treatments for injuries, neurological disorders, and chronic pain. From massage therapy to home exercise programs, their services will help you overcome the conditions that cause you daily discomfort. Learn more about their specialized services online, or call (808) 487-0487 to discuss your symptoms with the Aiea clinic or (808) 674-0500 for the Kapolei location.